“You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. As it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Romans 2:21-24
I find these verses exciting and yet disturbing. It is exciting that we can hold the Word of God in our hands and be allowed to teach it to others. I also find them disturbing because we can live our lives as though there is no law.
Here’s what Jesus had to say about this, “Then Jesus told the crowds and his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees administer the authority of Moses, So do whatever they tell you and follow it, but stop doing what they do because they don’t do what they say.” (Matthew 23:1-3 ISV)
As a young man, I learned that a man is only as good as his word. Even today, it bothers me when someone intentionally doesn’t keep or live by his word. In politics, business, or religion, I would like to trust that person at his word and his lifestyle.
Paul addresses this issue with the Jews. They took great pride in that they were the chosen people. They should have demonstrated its importance by living according to its instructions. Not only were they given the privilege of possessing the law, but they had a specific responsibility. They were to be representatives and living examples of God’s instructions.
Paul had these words for the Hebrews, “Remember those leading you, who have spoken to you the Word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conduct: Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:7-8 ASV)
It is unrealistic for Christians to proclaim God’s Word and not live according to its instructions because it brings the same results that Paul describes above; “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (MKJV)